Two days after defeating the Cataractes, 4-1, the Sea Dogs were upset by Shawinigan, 7-4, to end their season and their reign as Memorial Cup champions. Shawinigan advanced to the Memorial Cup finals to play Lightning prospect Vladislav Namestnikov and London on Sunday. Danick Gauthier was scoreless in the game and took a holding penalty in the third period when Saint John was battling back for a tie against a rested team energized by a deafening crowd.

While Saint John was winning their second straight QMJHL championship, Shawinigan was resting and practicing after getting knocked out of the postseason in the second round by Chicoutimi. Nevertheless, as hosts, they are included in the Memorial Cup tournament, and became the 8th host of the last 9 to make the finals. Two have won.

Shawiniganâ€™s game winning goal came with just over six minutes left in the game from Yannick Veilleux (Blues), who tipped a Morgan Ellis (Canadiens) point shot past Blue Jackets prospect Mathieu Corbeil. They added two empty net goals in the closing minutes.

As for Gauthier, he is signed to an NHL contract which will begin next year when he takes his spot in the Lightning system, likely in the AHL.

Congratulations to Gauthier for a career-season and to the Sea Dogs for a remarkable run as defending Memorial Cup champs.